You’ve heard of frequent-flier programs. Created by the airlines, members can earn miles on flights, staying at partner hotels, or shopping at participating stores. The miles can then be redeemed for free flights or other awards. Well, now a popular bus company is “borrowing” the idea.
Greyhound is introducing a new Road Rewards program. However, unlike the airlines’ frequent-flier program, Greyhound’s Road Rewards program operates on a 12-month rolling cycle, which means you have 12 months from the time you sign up to collect “Destination Points” until they expire. You earn points by purchasing tickets. You receive one point for every segment, or one-way ticket. A round trip equals two segments or, two points… you get the idea.
At first glance the program seems a bit confusing, but basically it breaks down like this:
Six one-way trips will earn you a free companion pass with a paid full-fare ticket. You will also receive a one-time 15% on your own ticket. In addition, you will also receive a 10% discount on food and beverages at participating Greyhound depots.
After purchasing 10 one-way tickets you will receive one free companion pass and a 20% discount off your next online ticket purchase.
If you collect another 16 points during the 12-month period, you will earn another free round-trip ticket. At the end of the 12-month cycle, the points collected within that 12 months expire and your total returns to zero. Your rewards have individual expiration dates and are subject to blackout dates.
I used to take Greyhound back and forth from my aunt and uncle’s while I was in college. The bus was always crammed with college students, however I know that there are many others who rely on Greyhound for transportation. My assumption is that the company is now looking to reward those loyal customers… or perhaps looking to entice others who may have never considered taking Greyhound.
For more information on Greyhound’s Road Reward program visit: www.greyound.com.